Hon. R.M. Samantha Ranasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Regulations under the NMRA Act. I also thank the Hon. Minister of Health and Mass Media, the Hon. State Minister and the Ministry for this bold decision. If we have 22 million people, this medicine issue affects all—even unborn children. You have taken a courageous decision on a matter affecting present and future generations.

¶ 02 The evolution of medicine spans a long history—from supernatural explanations and rituals to the development of Ayurveda and later modern pharmacology, often through sacrifice and trial. Medicines are crucial to human life. In the capitalist world, profit-seekers have captured pharmaceuticals, forming rackets—even in our country. The benefits of modern medical advances have not reached our people due to reasons including politicization, where ministries were used for political and corrupt ends.

¶ 03 Many serious problems persist: necessary cadres were not recruited; hospital systems were not modernized; equipment is decades old and beyond life, though we are preparing to upgrade them. Medicine shortages have long burdened people; patients going to clinics found no drugs, and poor parents bought only a day’s worth at pharmacies. To defeat such conspiracies behind the drug trade, these regulations under law must be approved. We waited for this; today it becomes reality.

¶ 04 This government has taken a bold decision to control drug prices under the NMRA Act. Some scare that shortages or substandard drugs will result. Obstacles will arise to any good work; we will overcome them and pass laws and orders to regulate prices for the people’s benefit. Our party includes many capable doctors in this House; we will work together to deliver good health services. Thank you.